Like herding cats Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use The phrase is not about actual cats, it’s a metaphor for chaos in organization. Coordinating a family reunion can be like herding cats. Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbolic Expression Often used to exaggerate difficulty, suggesting a near-impossible task. Completing this project on time feels like herding cats. Pro Tip 3/3Frustration Tone Implies an underlying sense of frustration or exasperation with the task. Coaching the kindergarteners' soccer team is like herding cats.